Massachusetts legislation · 194th General Court
Massachusetts H2206: An Act enabling physician assistants to authorize psychiatric holds and ensure adequate training on their use
Status: Failed, April 23, 2026
What the bill says
From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:
SECTION 1. The first sentence of subsection (a) of section 12 of chapter 123 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after the words “section 2 of chapter 112,” the following words:- a physician assistant licensed pursuant to section 9E of chapter 112,. SECTION 2. The second sentence of said subsection (a) of said section 12 of said chapter 123 is hereby amended by inserting after the word “physician,” the following words:- , physician assistant. SECTION 3. The third sentence of said subsection (a) of said section 12 of said chapter 123 is hereby amended by inserting after the word “physician,” the following words:- , physician assistant. SECTION 4. Section 12 of said chapter 123 is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:- (f) Before any individual authorized by this section shall restrain an individual or authorize a psychiatric hold, the individual shall undergo 3 hours of specialized training in direct mental health evaluation. The training shall be developed pursuant to regulations and specifications by the department of mental health.
Sponsors
- Kate Donaghue (D) · primary sponsor
- Sally Kerans (D, 13th Essex)
- Rebecca Rausch (D, Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex)
- Jessica Giannino (D, 16th Suffolk)
- Russell Holmes (D, 6th Suffolk)
- James Eldridge (D, Middlesex and Worcester)
- Adrian Madaro (D)
- Erika Uyterhoeven (D, 27th Middlesex)
- Samantha Montaño (D)
- Judith Garcia (D)
- Tarr, Andrew (D, 5th Essex)
- Natalie Higgins (D, 4th Worcester)
Latest actions
- : Accompanied a study order, see H5338 (under House Rule 27)
- : Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026
- : Hearing scheduled for 10/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
- : Senate concurred
- : Referred to the committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery
- : Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order
Common questions
- What is H2206?
- H2206 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act enabling physician assistants to authorize psychiatric holds and ensure adequate training on their use.
- What is the status of H2206?
- Failed as of April 23, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H5338 (under House Rule 27) (April 23, 2026).
- Who sponsored H2206?
- Kate Donaghue (D), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for H2206?
- On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2206
Source: official Massachusetts record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.